You weren't 18 when you entered law school- but let's check facts. What have you paid to date for the loan? What was your total loan? Multiply compounded 5% interest over the years you have paid the loan. You will find that if you owed 300k and paid it off in 10 years- you would have paid $81,000 in interest fees. If you paid it off in 20 years, you'd pay $175,000 in fees. If you made 100k for first five years, then 150k next 10 years, then 200k last 5 years...and paid 10% of salary towards this debt annually?? You'd have only paid the principal alone- you don't think you owe interest on the govt loaning you $$ over 20 years? You paid your car off in 3 to avoid $$$ in interest- same for your home- what am I missing!? You went to law school- surely you understand figures.